Reports | 29 08 2024
Mohamed Al-Hajj
A sports event for athletes with disabilities was suspended by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)’s executive arm, the Salvation Government, in northwest Syria on grounds of what HTS described as ‘violations against our customs, culture and traditions’ during the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games was held by Violet Organization in the city of Idlib, last Monday, coinciding with the start of 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris on Wednesday.
A source told Rozana that the event is currently suspended, and none of the scheduled sports games will take place until further notice.
When asked about the suspension of the sports games, Violet declined to comment for the time being.
The opening ceremony featured artistic performances with the participation of children and was attended by more than 300 athletes with disabilities, drawing a large crowd of audience in the stands.
Journalists and commentators praised the Paralympic sports event’s impact on the community, and many shared their photos while in the opening ceremony.
But things took a turn when the ‘Ministry of Development of the Salvation Government’ announced
in a statement the suspension of the sports games and summoned and warned Violet Organization over alleged ‘violations’ during the event, undertaking to ‘regulate such events’ in the future and ‘to prevent reoccurrence of similar violations.’
The Ministry did not explain the violations that were committed, but claimed they were against ‘our culture, customs, and traditions.’
Saudi jihadist Mislah al-Aliani, currently in HTS-controlled areas, slammed the event, calling it: “polytheism and spreading foreign, and Western ideas in the community." Urging: “Those involved in the event and the NGOs to repent.”
Al-Aliani instigated that if NGOs and commercial institutions are left unchecked, they will: “Bring ruin to Syria, through the destruction of faith which is far greater than the destruction of earth."
Rozana observed that the decision to suspend the event was met with ridicule from local activists, while some commenters condemned the Ministry's Facebook post focusing on ‘violating traditions’ instead of directly mentioning "religious violations." Which they support.
Despite HTS's claims of severing ties with al-Qaeda and its leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, still the United States and several other countries continue to list the group, previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra, as a terrorist organization.
What is upsetting HTS?
A local source who preferred to remain anonymous told Rozana that HTS objected to the lighting of a torch during the opening ceremony, held at the municipal stadium in Idlib, as it mimicked the Olympic flame. HTS viewed this act as ‘un-Islamic because it is associated with the ancient Greek gods.’
The lighting of a large cauldron at the end of the opening ceremony further inflamed tensions with al-Aliani who condemned the reference to ‘Greek mythology.’
Additionally, HTS and other hardliners disapproved of the mixing of women and men at the event,’ considering it forbidden.’ The source: however, noted that the event had separate seating areas for men and women in the stadium.
What is the future of similar events?
Ibrahim Sarmini, Protection Program Coordinator at Violet, said: “The event's aim was to draw attention to war victims and individuals with disabilities in the region, hoping they can one day reach international platforms."
The opening ceremony had been preceded by a torch relay through refugee camps and historic sites in Idlib, with the participation of journalists, humanitarian workers, and the local community figures. Even members of the Syrian Civil Defense (the White Helmets) joined in carrying the torch.
The event was organized over the course of three months, featuring 14 sports games suited to various physical, visual, and mental disabilities, including karate, table tennis, swimming, football, weightlifting, and track and field.
HTS continues to impose restrictions on personal and civil freedoms in the areas under its control in northern Syria.